DON’T LET PRESCRIPTION DRUG MISUSE AFFECT YOUR FAMILY

Medications such as Adderall®, Ritalin®, and Dexedrine® help manage symptoms of ADHD, but many young people are taking these stimulants as way to avoid boredom. The most common source of these drugs is their own friends or family members. 

One in 10 high school students in Maine have taken a prescription pain drug that was not prescribed for them. (Maine SEOW, 2021) Safety and education start at home. By knowing the facts, you’ll be better able to spot signs of a problem with opioids or stimulants.

SIGNS A TEEN OR CHILD MIGHT BE MISUSING PRESCRIPTION DRUGS

  • Makes a lot of excuses or has been lying 
  • Has a hard time thinking or focusing 
  • Changes in social involvement 
  • Changes in mood or attitude 
  • Changes in weight 
  • Decline in school performance 
  • Changes in behavior (anxious, paranoid, and/or irritable)
  • Gives up or withdraws from long-time friend 
  • Changes in appetite
  • Has blurry, red eyes 
  • Keeps eye-drop bottles around 
  • Spends more money than usual 
  • Changes in their relationships with family or friends 
  • Acts confused 
  • Avoids eye contact
  • Goes out every night, even during the school week 
  • Changes in coordination 
  • Changes in sleeping patterns 
  • Secretive behavior (locking doors, disappearing for long periods of time and/or stealing) 

 

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Educate Yourself
Understand the signs and symptoms of prescription drug misuse and illicit drug use.

Talk To Them 

Parents are the biggest influence to a child and having honest conversations may prevent potential substance misuse.

Be Prepared

If someone in your family is prescribed an opioid, make sure you have naloxone on hand.

Store Safely 

Safely storing prescriptions keeps families safe.

Take Inventory

Keep a close watch on your prescriptions and watch for any changes in the amount.

Participate in Maine’s Drug Take Back Program 

Drug Take Back is the safest way to get rid of unwanted prescription medications any time of year.

Monitor Online Activity 

Look out for suspicious websites, social activity and forums that may relate to drug use or buying.

Be a Positive Role Model 

By making healthy, responsible decisions around substance use, you help set a positive example.

Communicate Daily 

Talk and listen. Keep in mind that when it comes to drugs and alcohol, trusted adults are the most important influence. Get tips on how to help kids say no to substances.

TALK ABOUT DRUGS EARLY ON

It is important not to wait. Start talking about healthy decision making as soon as preschool. When kids are young, it is important for them to know what they put in their bodies has a big impact on their future.